Thieves then targeted a construction site along Highway 99, stealing more than 1,000 feet of copper wire, causing about $100,000 in damage.

“If they have to replace any boxes the wire is housed in, if they are just pulling the wires out they may damage the system, which is going to require more repairs than just replacing the wire,” said Caltrans spokeswoman Chantel Miller.

She says copper wire thefts are a statewide problem and cost the department $50 million in 2012, money that could have gone to roadway improvements.